Jack Robertson from Metroland on the best and worst of the Fringe

Jack Robertson from sketch group Metroland talks about what he can't get enough of; recalls his most embarrassing Edinburgh experience and complains about the worst thing about the festival (apart from the cost of accommodation, obviously)

Edinburgh binge

I really enjoyed bingeing on late-night crepes outside the Assembly Rooms and ordering Braw Pizza to our accommodation near the Courtyard almost every night. Post-show meal of champions. 

Our costumes were tight pink shorts that were cutting off circulation by the end of the run. 

Speaking of which - I would like to go on more walks this year. 

Some mornings I’d wake in a cold sweat from a joke that bombed, or if I’d left a half-eaten Scotch egg backstage, but an early-morning walk around Arthur’s Seat or towards Salisbury Crags was canny

I found an abandoned skate park, saw a couple of youths smoking a spliff and painting daft characters on the ramps. I thought, 'Oh aye, this is an arts festival like.’

Edinburgh cringe

The night my parents travelled from Newcastle to see us play was the same night we had Alan Davies in.

Aside from me mam trying to get a selfie with Jonathan Creek in the queue, I also improvised a line which involved a reference to the the Twin Towers – the joke didn’t land and the audible gasp of disappointment from my parents and Alan was crushing. 

Other than that, he had a good laugh. Safe to say I still cringe at this today.

Edinburgh whinge

Every now and then you’ll come across punters who are in Edinburgh at the same time as the Fringe – stag dos or birthday parties, or maybe even young locals who see the festival as a hindrance. 

They see us – five Geordie lads in pink short shorts – and it’s either fight or flight. Rip us to shreds is the easiest option.

 It shouldn’t have to be like that. We hate to see people in the arts getting grief; it can be a really vulnerable place. So if any acts need some help disbanding some wrong’uns, dial M for Metroland.

• Metroland Live: As Seen On TV is on at 9.40pm at the Pleasance Dome during the Edinburgh Fringe

Published: 22 Jul 2026